If you can laugh together, you can work together.

The quote argues that shared laughter is a reliable indicator of social cohesion: if people can find common ground in humor, they likely possess enough trust, ease, and mutual understanding to collaborate effectively. Laughter signals psychological safety—an environment where individuals feel comfortable taking small risks, admitting uncertainty, and responding flexibly to problems. Orben’s formulation also implies that humor can be a practical management asset, helping teams defuse tension and maintain perspective under pressure. The statement is not a claim that work must be funny, but that the ability to laugh together often correlates with the interpersonal resilience needed to work well together.